Obituary of Fred Garst

Fredie A Garst (Fred), 86, of Girard, IL, passed away Saturday morning, December 16, 2023, at the Villas of South Park in Chatham, IL. Fred was born in Springfield, IL on October 22, 1937, the 7th and youngest child to Alpheus and Sadie (Lutz) Garst. His siblings include Elmer (Lyla), Leta (Les) Sims, Melvin “Hap” (Imogene), Clarence (May), David (Norma), and Earl (Phyllis). Fred was never married but had several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fred lived in Girard, IL his entire life, graduating Girard High School in 1955. Fred served in the Air Force, being stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. The lasting impact of his Guam deployment provided numerous colorful stories for many decades. After three decades as an installer for Southwestern Bell Telephone, Fred retired and continued to live in Girard. His job allowed him to travel to numerous cities throughout the United States. He loved to tell tales about his New York City and Chicago work assignments. The United Nations building was one of his favorite adventures. In his free time, Fred loved to garden and would often compete with his brothers for the first tomato of the season and the largest zucchini or cucumber. He enjoyed his Western movies, Antique Road Show, and Consumer Reports magazine. His neighbors, friends, and family knew he was a master organizer with plenty of storage bins, dots, and labels. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 2:00-3:00 pm at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard, IL. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm at the Davis-Anderson Funeral Home with Reverend Victor Angulo, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Girard officiating. Burial will follow at the Girard Cemetery with military rites. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, and 2 nieces and 3 nephews. He is survived by numerous generations of nieces and nephews and cousins and his lifelong friend, Carolyn (Bob) Williams. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Girard Library, one of his favorite local treasures. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Girard, IL, is in charge of arrangements.